Water feature built at The Forest School as memorial to Joe Holyer

A water feature feature has been built in memory of an assistant headteacher at The Forest School.

A water feature has been built at The Forest School in memory of former teacher Joe Holyer

A water feature has been built in memory of an assistant headteacher at The Forest School.

Sixth formers and staff at the Winnersh secondary joined forces to construct the feature between the main hall and staff room on Saturday, which would have been Joe Holyer’s birthday.

Mr Holyer, who taught history at the school and had responsibility for student welfare, was found dead in Dover on Thursday, January 19.

Staff and pupils at the school, in Robin Hood Lane, decided to create the centrepiece to represent Mr Holyer’s outstanding approach to student welfare and remember his love of wild, natural environments.

Headteacher Keith Quine said: “In numbers too numerous for me to remember everyone, can I express my gratitude for the turnout in the rain on Saturday to create a memorial garden to commemorate Joe’s contribution to school life.

“Coming in, even in the rain, the area looks fantastic. Fuelled by bacon butties, cake, mulled wine, homemade sloe gin and cups of tea and coffee there was a warm buzz.

“Joe left us with a note that he hoped he had done some good in his life. We all at The Forest, for what we do every day, do some good in our lives.”

The memorial area will be completed in time for Certificate Evening on Monday, December 17, when many of pupils taught by Mr Holyer will return to the school.